Description
Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food, combining the hearty flavors of homemade chili with creamy macaroni and cheese. This one-pot wonder is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings, offering a filling meal that pleases everyone. With its rich blend of spices and creamy cheese, it’s easy to prepare and budget-friendly, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ cup bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 2 cups macaroni (uncooked)
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in chili seasoning mix, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and kidney beans; simmer.
- Cook macaroni per package instructions until al dente; drain.
- In another saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Gradually add heavy cream and milk until thickened.
- Combine cheese sauce with chili mixture and cooked macaroni; fold in shredded cheddar until melted.
- Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg